The Cranberries have announced that they have cancelled 14 European tour dates.

In a statement issued by the band on Wednesday, the Cranberries said they can't commit to the scheduled tour dates as lead singer Dolores O'Riordan has been struck down with back problems.

The Limerick band apologised to fans for the inconvenience and stressed that the decision wasn't taken lightly but said that "Dolores' health is paramount".

The Cranberries will not be able to bring their tour to the UK, Italy, Spain, Switzerland and France over the next four weeks. However, a spokesperson for the band said that they are working hard to reschedule dates and will post updates on social media when a decision has been reached.

"Most regrettably, Dolores O’Riordan has been instructed by her doctors to immediately cease work for the next four weeks for medical reasons associated with a back problem. This means that sadly the following shows will not go ahead as planned," the statement read.

"We sincerely hope that you will hold on to your ticket until we can update further but if not, please go to place of purchase for your ticket to be refunded. We are very sorry for all and any inconvenience and disappointment that this causes our fans, the decision has not been taken lightly but Dolores’ health is paramount."